Friends was on the air between 1994 and 2004 (Picture: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Friends actress Aisha Tyler has confessed that the series she joined reflected industry attitudes that ‘only white stories sold’.
One of the most consistently popular sitcoms of its day, Friends, which ran between 1994 and 2004, still has a huge dedicated following to this day.
However, since its final episode, the series has received criticism for lacking diversity among its lead cast members despite being set in New York City.
At the time, Friends creators attempted to address this problem in the closing seasons by giving main character Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) a non-white love interest.
Charlie Wheeler, played by Aisha, now 53, was introduced midway through the ninth season, originally as Joey’s (Matt LeBlanc) girlfriend, before her storyline changed.
Aisha said David, who eventually became a director on the series, pushed for more non-white characters to star in the series as the show went along.
Charlie Wheeler becomes a love interest for Ross Geller and Joey Tribbiani (Picture: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
‘I know that David has said that he really pushed for [more diversity in the cast] and I think that’s wonderful,’ she told The Independent in a new interview.
But, she confessed, before her introduction, things were different: ‘Friends was also reflective of a whole business that thought that only white stories sold. I mean, that’s just been the attitude in Hollywood for a long time.
‘They’d say people won’t watch a show with these characters, and now we all know that’s not true. But that perspective still persists.’
Aisha Tyler joined Friends at the end of its ninth season (Picture: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
‘They just wrote this smart, sexy character and she happened to be Black’ (Picture: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
She continued: ‘What I liked [about Friends] was that they just wrote this smart, sexy character and she happened to be Black and they weren’t trying to seismically change what the show was.’
The Archer voice actress went on to say that industry bosses either claimed audiences wouldn’t watch shows with Black characters or that networks with one Black show wouldn’t develop another.
Aisha starred in Friends for just nine episodes but became one of the most popular love interests with viewers, with Charlie being present for some of the show’s most iconic moments.
Aisha eventually joined the cast of Criminal Minds (Picture: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images)
Chief among them is Charlie’s decision to date Ross after breaking up with Joey in the season nine finale – Joey witnesses Charlie and Ross kissing and makes the decision to finally act on his long-held feelings for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston).
However, once Ross finds out about Joey and Rachel’s new relationship, he reacts badly, drinking heavily and embarrassing himself after inviting Charlie, Joey, and Rachel round for dinner.
After leaving Friends following Charlie and Ross’ subsequent break-up, Aisha joined CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, 24, Archer, and Criminal Minds, as well as hosting daytime talk show The Talk.
Away from TV and film, Aisha was married to Jeff Tjetiens for 25 years before the couple separated in 2015 and eventually finalised their divorce in 2017.
Watch Friends on Netflix.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.